LMU-DCOM Discussion Thread 2010-2011

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
I got an interview for next week. But I am not sure whether the fare is worth it based on this. Man, I really wanted a March interview. If one is interviewed here this cycle, does it help them next year?

What are my chances of getting in? 27M (3rd time) 3.3 GPA. It is going to cost me almost $1K to fly out and back (missing work, paying for babysitter, etc.)

Thanks guys

I wasn't trying to discourage anyone from going to their interview!! I only posted that because someone had asked about actually getting an interview...and I was assuming most of the invites for the last few days were already sent out. If you have an interview, I think you definitely have a shot to get in, and if you think this is where you want to be/you haven't been accepted anywhere else $1000 for the chance really isn't that much in the long run. I just didn't want the person that was still waiting for an interview to have unrealistic hopes about still receiving one. At this point, I am assuming they have given all invites out since they usually try and give you a few weeks notice and it is already April. So the chances are slim that many more are going out, and if they haven't been accepted anywhere else it is probably time to start thinking about improving for next year's cycle. I definitely think you should still attend your interview!!
 
I wasn't trying to discourage anyone from going to their interview!! I only posted that because someone had asked about actually getting an interview...and I was assuming most of the invites for the last few days were already sent out. If you have an interview, I think you definitely have a shot to get in, and if you think this is where you want to be/you haven't been accepted anywhere else $1000 for the chance really isn't that much in the long run. I just didn't want the person that was still waiting for an interview to have unrealistic hopes about still receiving one. At this point, I am assuming they have given all invites out since they usually try and give you a few weeks notice and it is already April. So the chances are slim that many more are going out, and if they haven't been accepted anywhere else it is probably time to start thinking about improving for next year's cycle. I definitely think you should still attend your interview!!

Oh no problem....I would love to go if I get accepted. I think I'm just gonna go ahead and go! Thanks
 
if this helps anyone, I spoke with robin today and she said the last interviews are bieng conducted this monday and tuesday, 4/11 and 4/12. She also said that she didnt anticipate the waitlist to move until about a week or two from today. The admisions committee meets once every week so I am going to assume that once the class is full , they will meet and decide who will be taken off the waitlist to fill dropped seats (if any). when I asked her approximately how many where on the waitlist and how many they take off every year she did not have those figures.

She was so helpfull. ahhh hopefully i get in off the waitlist!.

on another side note. I sent in a LOI to get an interview and then was waitlisted. should I send in another one? lol I dunno.

Since bieng waitlisted I have sent in 2 more LOR's from prof's and am expecting another 1 from my employer that I will be able to end in soon. I will also be updating them with new grades come may. what do you guys think? you think that will help me out enough to be pulled from the list?

what kills me is that they really didnt give me a reason, was it cause they didnt like me? my grades? my mcat? GAHHH its killling me
 
Class of 2015:

As OMS-4 Class President, I would like to congratulate all of you on your accomplishment! As a 4th year, my wife & I are selling our home because I will be an Emergency Medicine Resident in Massillon, Ohio at Affinity Medical Center (a Cleveland Clinic hospital).

Some renters in the area are attempting to take advantage of incoming medical students. As a result, LMU-DCOM medical students will get this home at a great price. If you are interested or just would like to talk about LMU-DCOM, please contact me at the email/phone # below. It would have been nice to speak to an upperclassman when I was in your position!

Here is some information regarding our home:

MLS#: 753212
WEBSITE: http://www.cbww.com/SLW/753212
ADDRESS: 143 Emory Lane Tazewell, TN 37879
GENERAL INFO: Built new in 2005 w/ ONE owner; 3 bedroom, 2 full bath ranch-style home; 2 car garage; 1242 square feet; cathedral ceiling in den/kitchen; appliances included; custom Oak cabinets
LOCATION: 11.2 miles from LMU-DCOM; level lot

Please do not hesitate to contact me w/ questions about the home or LMU-DCOM in general.


David J. Heath, MS, ATC
OMS-IV Class President
LMU-DCOM
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 865-585-0621
 
Last edited:
if this helps anyone, I spoke with robin today and she said the last interviews are bieng conducted this monday and tuesday, 4/11 and 4/12. She also said that she didnt anticipate the waitlist to move until about a week or two from today. The admisions committee meets once every week so I am going to assume that once the class is full , they will meet and decide who will be taken off the waitlist to fill dropped seats (if any). when I asked her approximately how many where on the waitlist and how many they take off every year she did not have those figures.

She was so helpfull. ahhh hopefully i get in off the waitlist!.

on another side note. I sent in a LOI to get an interview and then was waitlisted. should I send in another one? lol I dunno.

Since bieng waitlisted I have sent in 2 more LOR's from prof's and am expecting another 1 from my employer that I will be able to end in soon. I will also be updating them with new grades come may. what do you guys think? you think that will help me out enough to be pulled from the list?

what kills me is that they really didnt give me a reason, was it cause they didnt like me? my grades? my mcat? GAHHH its killling me

Oh gotcha. Hopefully I am not just going to be interviewing for the waitlist.

Oh well, as stated above, $1K is worth the risk. Seems like I will have to rent a car from the airport and drive it down there. Any cheap hotels/motels nearby you guys would suggest or do I have to go ahead and stay at the Holiday Inn express?
 
Oh gotcha. Hopefully I am not just going to be interviewing for the waitlist.

Oh well, as stated above, $1K is worth the risk. Seems like I will have to rent a car from the airport and drive it down there. Any cheap hotels/motels nearby you guys would suggest or do I have to go ahead and stay at the Holiday Inn express?

Holiday Inn Express in Middlesboro will be the cheapest hotel because they give you a discount if you tell them you are interviewing at LMU.
 
Holiday Inn Express in Middlesboro will be the cheapest hotel because they give you a discount if you tell them you are interviewing at LMU.
yup,

try and see if you can pay them in cash though. otherwise they hold an x amount of money from your account for insurance purposes. the guy at the front desk, bill is a great guy. kinda shy but he will help you out in any way.
 
Anyone else have trouble accessing the pathway system?
 
Anyone else have trouble accessing the pathway system?


Yeah its weird, I can access pathway from my desktop at home, but for some reason I cant get in when I use my laptop. Really odd....
 
Yeah, Pathway is the weirdest thing ever...

I originally logged in on my laptop, and have had absolutely no problems. I tried to log in on a desktop last night, and it absolutely would not let me on! I changed passwords like three times, but still no luck; when I got back to my laptop, I logged in no problem with my original password!

Really strange. I think the system is still kind of new, so hopefully all the kinks will get worked out soon 🙂
 
I can't get in at all anymore. Any new emails coming in? I'm waiting for financial aid info.
 
I don't know what they're having you do as matriculants, since everyone before you had to wait until orientation to be given a student account. But I can tell you that I access everything individually and never have to use pathway, so you can forego it too once you get here.
 
I can't get in at all anymore. Any new emails coming in? I'm waiting for financial aid info.

Try this direct link for the email. I've been having better luck this way:

https://mail.lmunet.edu/exchange/

No new emails yet, although I'm hoping for my financial aid stuff soon.

EDIT: actually I take that back, just got my financial aid stuff this morning!
 
Last edited:
Financial aid complete.
Current mood::scared:

I knew the debt was coming, but the reality of the situation just hit me like a ton of bricks.
 
if this helps anyone, I spoke with robin today and she said the last interviews are bieng conducted this monday and tuesday, 4/11 and 4/12. She also said that she didnt anticipate the waitlist to move until about a week or two from today. The admisions committee meets once every week so I am going to assume that once the class is full , they will meet and decide who will be taken off the waitlist to fill dropped seats (if any). when I asked her approximately how many where on the waitlist and how many they take off every year she did not have those figures.

She was so helpfull. ahhh hopefully i get in off the waitlist!.

on another side note. I sent in a LOI to get an interview and then was waitlisted. should I send in another one? lol I dunno.

Since bieng waitlisted I have sent in 2 more LOR's from prof's and am expecting another 1 from my employer that I will be able to end in soon. I will also be updating them with new grades come may. what do you guys think? you think that will help me out enough to be pulled from the list?

what kills me is that they really didnt give me a reason, was it cause they didnt like me? my grades? my mcat? GAHHH its killling me

Last I heard (and this was before the 04/11 and 04/12 interviews) is that there is 63 on the waitlist and they move about 25-35 each year off of it.
 
Last edited:
Keep an eye on DCOMDO.com and you may want to register on the website!
 
Last I heard (and this was before the 04/11 and 04/12 interviews) is that there is 63 on the waitlist and they move about 25-35 each year off of it.
WOW thanks for that information. I thought it was much less. like about 150 waitlisted and taking about 20 or 30 off a year. that makes odds a bit better and I feel better about bieng waitlisted. I guess they must have really liked me to not straight out reject me but that there was something questionable on my application? hmmm. I guess you just can't try and get into their head and figure out what they where really thinking.

thanks again
 
WOW thanks for that information. I thought it was much less. like about 150 waitlisted and taking about 20 or 30 off a year. that makes odds a bit better and I feel better about bieng waitlisted. I guess they must have really liked me to not straight out reject me but that there was something questionable on my application? hmmm. I guess you just can't try and get into their head and figure out what they where really thinking.

thanks again

So just wondering if anyone who interviewed in the last groups has heard anything or if they've started taking off the wait list. I know the chances were reduced for getting in being a part of the last group but I can still hope🙂🙂
 
So just wondering if anyone who interviewed in the last groups has heard anything or if they've started taking off the wait list. I know the chances were reduced for getting in being a part of the last group but I can still hope🙂🙂

When I interviewed they said to expect a response in 2 weeks. Is that what you were told also? It was almost exactly 2 weeks before I got my letter saying I was on the alternate list. So you still have time.🙂

I would imagine that they are still formulating their response to that last group and then they'll turn it over to waitlisters. I wonder if they already have places ready to be filled or if we'll have to wait for a while?
 
nope, still havent heard anything yet. hopefully i do though?!🙂
 
nope, still havent heard anything yet. hopefully i do though?!🙂


Lol. It's about this time of year the threads go from nervous, anxious ramblings of pre-meds to inspirational support and nail-biting drama. Ahh these threads have it all.
 
No I still haven't heard anything, nor on the waitlist. Being type-a I just want to know and then you start questioning every answer you said and reading into their expressions and so forth. I also find every phone ring or letter in the mail gets you nervous. Ah well holidays here hopefully spring will finally come, have a great weekend.:laugh:
 
Lol. It's about this time of year the threads go from nervous, anxious ramblings of pre-meds to inspirational support and nail-biting drama. Ahh these threads have it all.
Yes they do. I thoroughly enjoy it😀
No I still haven't heard anything, nor on the waitlist. Being type-a I just want to know and then you start questioning every answer you said and reading into their expressions and so forth. I also find every phone ring or letter in the mail gets you nervous. Ah well holidays here hopefully spring will finally come, have a great weekend.:laugh:
I doubt we will hear anything until may. Not only from JAMESLMT's explanation of may 15th(deadline for MD schools) but also because I just called to see if they recieved an LOR I sent in and janette is out of the office till the 28th. I hope shes on vacation and not a work thing. Cause I would imagine her job is pretty difficult. I wouldnt wanna deal with neurotic pre meds all day, so I ive her props lol I dunno how through all that she is still the sweetest lady.
 
I interviewed April 11, but did not have my info to DCOM until 3/3/11. I originally never thought I would be able to apply until the June 2011 cycle. I had a very positive experience with the interview process and intend on keeping my name on the alternate list. I know there is still hope, but I must focus on the upcoming cycle to improve my application and apply very early.

Good things come to those who wait and I know things will work out for the best. Good luck to everyone who has been accepted and to all those still holding on to hope for the 2015 class.
 
Interviewed, still waiting, loved the school but may not be in the cards for me.
 
Last edited:
I interviewed April 11, but did not have my info to DCOM until 3/3/11. I originally never thought I would be able to apply until the June 2011 cycle. I had a very positive experience with the interview process and intend on keeping my name on the alternate list. I know there is still hope, but I must focus on the upcoming cycle to improve my application and apply very early.

Good things come to those who wait and I know things will work out for the best. Good luck to everyone who has been accepted and to all those still holding on to hope for the 2015 class.
When did you get you're letter?

Good luck to you and those still waiting.
 
Hey I received my letter Saturday, April 23rd. The letter head was dated April 19th.
hey good luck titus. I am waitlisted as well. Hopefully we can be classmates next year. dont give up hope.

and if anything we can just re apply next year.
 
Testing Testing 123, does this thing still work. 🙂 I hope we hear something soon!! 😴
 
Hi all,
Congrats to those already accepted, and best of luck to those on the wait list anxiously waiting. For those of you beginning to gather equipment for next year I have a stethoscope for sale; it is the same one that you can purchase through the kit the school provides and comes with all of the ear tips and pediatric diaphragm. Here is a link to it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

If you're interested, please see my posting on dcomdo.com: http://www.dcomdo.com/classifieds/browse-categories/?category_id=16/Medical-Supplies and shoot me a PM.
 
Last edited:
Congrats to those joining the class, if you haven't checked out the 2015 Facebook page there's lots of info on housing and so forth.

So has anyone heard if the waitlist is moving yet? Based on the last info I've heard it sounds like it could be moving anytime now if it hasn't already. Just curious, but it may not be in the cards this year.
 
So I haven't been on here in FOREVER, but figured I'd make an appearance as first year slowly but surely wraps up for us here in Harrogate. I skimmed through posts and pulled a few- questions might have already been answered, but someone is always wondering about these things so here goes:

Sure thing. No problem. I wasted $2000 on an MCAT prep course, which I do not recommend. I improved my score by a whopping 2 points.

Seriously though, I made darn sure that I had my AACOMAS application submitted the very first doggone week the season opened up. Without a doubt. Applying early is key. And, I was sure to update my essay with even more hours spent volunteering (level-one trauma ER, homeless shelters, shadowing DOs that didn't screw me on recommendations the second-time around, etc.). I took Biochemistry, Histology, A&P I & II, Microbiology, and Genetics above and beyond everything else. And most importantly, I lived the vision that Arnold Schwarzenegger discussed in Reader's Digest. That is, I woke up every morning knowing that I was already accepted. It was just a matter of time. (Also, military service I'm sure helped, but, that may detour you 4 years, 4 years that I would highly recommend.)

However, I must make an important point here, a salient one that golfingdoc made. I firmly believe my goals aligned with DCOMs. My personal essay made that clear. I walked into my interview, nervous as hell, and explained why OPP was for me (yeah you know me).

Also, GraceEuphoria motivated me time from time.

As the Toltecs once preached, just do your best, pick yourself up if you fall down, and continue with your dream. Before you know it, you will have succeeded beyond your dreams. :horns:
Just now saw this..glad I could help! 🙂 Look forward to meeting you next year, so make sure to introduce yourself if/when we cross paths!

I dunno, I sent them a Letter of Intent and then got an interview, so they definitly consider them very seriously but I don't know about sending another one. Thats actually the One thing I like most about the school is the location. I was actually worried that during my interview I would be asked "why DCOM" and sound like the only reason I liked the school was because I loved Harrogate so much. I understand that the facilities are top notch etc, but thats not what really gets you a good residency. I understand the facilities help you PERFORM better on rotations and therefore helps your chances at attaining a great residency, but in the long run thats not the most important factors. Even the faculty acknowledge that board scores, grades and rotations do that for you. And oh god, Dr. Kiick and Dr. Smith seemed like the coolest people. I would love to learn from them and they seemed extremely down to earth. I really loved the faculty and the students the most, they were all just awsome. Ugh ok now im getting carried on. I am going to be updating them for sure. I am registered for classes and am going to search for new extracurricular activites. I have, what I feel are great healthcare experiences but I havent been doing them for YEARS which seems DCOM tends to like in their applicants. We Will see what happens. Again, thanks for the support. I gave it my best in the interview and I know that, I wouldnt really change much, I was extremely honest. Maybe too much soo....
Don't overkill it with letters and all that....some is good, but you don't want to overdo it. I've still got my fingers crossed for you! :xf:

hey does anybody know what the model is of the laptop all dcom students have?
It's a Lenovo x201 tablet, though ours was different than the class before us, so there's always that chance. Some people love it, some hate it. It is what it is, so just accept it now 🙂

Does anybody know how strict the dress code is? I would prefer to wear my TOMS shoes instead of heels or flats.
TOMS should be fine (at least the ones I've seen)...the big thing with shoes is just no flip flops. I stay away from open toed in general, just in preparation for rotations, but from what we're told, sandal-type shoes are okay, as long as they aren't too casual looking. But really, most stuff goes as far as shoes go. The other biggies are no t-shirts, no ripped jeans, no sleeveless stuff/spaghetti strapped shirts (I know this is a real issue for the guys!) and basically, just don't look like a scrub. Our class leads a pretty good example most times, so when you get here, just play it safe at first and take note. If you have specific questions, just ask a second year.

Last I heard (and this was before the 04/11 and 04/12 interviews) is that there is 63 on the waitlist and they move about 25-35 each year off of it.
I don't think we had quite that many pulled last year, but I could be wrong. It also seems reasonable to me that the more established the school gets, especially with accreditation getting ready to occur, the less shift we'll have. However, do NOT, I repeat do NOT, give up. Just live each day like you might still have to pack up and go so that if it happens, you're ready. I reapplied and when June came, I went ahead and had my app all ready on AACOMAS just in case. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!! :luck:
 
so, looks like i'll be attending dcom

excited and nervous, hopefully living in a rural area wont be too bad.
Has everyone done their housing app already? I've read through this forum and it looks like student housing is a popular option. I wanna just go ahead and submit the housing deposit but its really hard to do w/out any like pictures or anything. I dont think I saw this at my interview. the layout for the singles is online but its not for the 3 bedrooms so i just cant envision it. If i had the time and money i'd probably go and take a look and see if an apt is a better way.
You sound like you just found out you were getting in. When were you accepted? Is this waitlist movement or did you just make the decision?
Either way, one less space for the rest of us.
Congratulations though......... must be nice! 🙂
 
It's a Lenovo x201 tablet, though ours was different than the class before us, so there's always that chance. Some people love it, some hate it. It is what it is, so just accept it now 🙂

I hope this is what we get. I think they look neat. I do hope we get the new x220 tablet though.
 
I think the background check needs to be done before we start. It's on the matriculation checklist...

As far as the university inn, I was really not impressed when we saw it on our tour. I didn't think the price was that great considering the other options in the area. I guess it depends on what you're looking for. Also something to consider: LMU won't let you out of the year lease if something comes up and you need to drop the place (on a waitlist elsewhere, leave school, take a break, found a roommate and want to move, anything). The application specifically says you're paying a year's rent no matter what. Not that anyone really plans on these things happening, but I think it is worth thinking about.

As far as off campus options, check out the Ball apartments (Ill be living there), as well as the house/apt rentals that pop up on dcomdo.com and the facebook page.
 
Last edited:
From what i've heard about the inn, it's converted from a ramada inn so the rooms aren't that big but the ameneties are nice. If you live in the Mars/Lee apts; are you allowed to use the inn's ameneties, like the basketball court and swimming, volleyball etc...?

You didn't get a chance to see them on your tour? It was a bit eye opening for me. They are smallllllllllllllll.....

As far as the rules regarding the Mars/Lee apartments, I would assume you are allowed to use the other resources but I'm not entirely sure. The things you mentioned are all outside, so I'm not sure what would stop anyone from using them.
 
ha, no i didnt get the chance thats why i was trying to see if anybody had any pictures to post or anything. but yea i cant imagine they are big at all considering they used to be hotel rooms.
 
Yeah I didn't think to take any pictures. I should have. Maybe if you ask on the facebook page some of the current residents could help you out?
 
no, i wasn't on the waitlitst

good luck to all of you that are though

question

1) for those that are still working on the matriculation paperwork, do we have to do the background check now or b4 rotations?

2) for anyone living in the 3br student housing, this is something i am considering, does each room come with a coaxial cable for cable tv and ethernet for internet hookup or is there just one in the living room?

I'm also considering getting something off campus so if anyone has any suggestions let me know



the background check is done once before you start first year, and again before you begin rotations.

the University Inn apts are small (esp the kitchenette), but plenty of people were satisfied with them to stay for two years (while others moved out into off campus housing... it's all personal preference). a common complaint i heard was that you could hear your neighbors more easily than you might like, but the tradeoff is that the atmosphere is more social. it sounds like a better living situation for someone who's straight out of undergrad and used to the dorm lifestyle, or if you're not planning on studying at home a lot.

never seen the 3bdrm mars apartments, but i think people were happy with them.

congrats and good luck. the two years on campus will fly by!
 
Any current students still around?
Are we really required to purchase a Pan Optic Diagnostic Kit?
 
Any current students still around?
Are we really required to purchase a Pan Optic Diagnostic Kit?

We are required to have a medical kit, you can buy it on your own or you can buy a kit they sell on orientation week. The kit includes everything except: pen light, tuning fork, measuring tape, gloves and hammer reflex. but many clubs might be selling them, so you don't have to worry about it. You won't be needing them the first 2-3 weeks of school. I even got some for free.
Another classmate's advice: " I'd wait to see what works for you. You will have time to figure that out when you get here though, I wouldn't go buying everything just yet or you'll find yourself getting things you dont need"

IMPORTANT NEWS: An email from the Dean was sent today:
:soexcited::soexcited:
"I am pleased to let you know that many long hours of hard work have paid off for the LMU-DCOM family. LMU-DCOM was granted accreditation status by AOA-COCA on May 1, 2011. On May 14, our inaugural class of DO graduates will celebrate their graduation from a fully accredited medical school. It is impossible to say enough about how much I appreciate the hard work and dedication that has made this possible. "
 
We are required to have a medical kit, you can buy it on your own or you can buy a kit they sell on orientation week. The kit includes everything except: pen light, tuning fork, measuring tape, gloves and hammer reflex. but many clubs might be selling them, so you don't have to worry about it. You won't be needing them the first 2-3 weeks of school. I even got some for free.
Another classmate's advice: " I'd wait to see what works for you. You will have time to figure that out when you get here though, I wouldn't go buying everything just yet or you'll find yourself getting things you dont need"

IMPORTANT NEWS: An email from the Dean was sent today:
:soexcited::soexcited:
"I am pleased to let you know that many long hours of hard work have paid off for the LMU-DCOM family. LMU-DCOM was granted accreditation status by AOA-COCA on May 1, 2011. On May 14, our inaugural class of DO graduates will celebrate their graduation from a fully accredited medical school. It is impossible to say enough about how much I appreciate the hard work and dedication that has made this possible. "


That's cool. congrats DCOM!
 
Class of 2015:

Here is our home in Tazewell (11 miles from LMU-DCOM) for $120,000. The site does not reflect the recent price modification. We are having an OPEN HOUSE on May 15th. If you are looking for a good family home and great neighborhood, this is it. We are moving for residency & need to sell. Don't hesitate to make me an offer!

MLS#: 753212
WEBSITE: http://www.trulia.com/property/3047557341-143-Emory-Ln-Tazewell-TN-37879
ADDRESS: 143 Emory Lane Tazewell, TN 37879
GENERAL INFO: Built new in 2005 w/ ONE owner; 3 bedroom, 2 full bath ranch-style home; 2 car garage; 1242 square feet; ~0.6 acres; cathedral ceiling in den/kitchen; appliances included; custom Oak cabinets
 

Attachments

Last edited:
Class of 2015:

Here is our home in Tazewell (11 miles from LMU-DCOM) for $120,000. We are having an OPEN HOUSE on May 15th. If you are looking for a good family home and great neighborhood, this is it. We are moving for residency & need to sell. Don't hesitate to make me an offer!

MLS#: 753212
WEBSITE: http://www.cbww.com/SLW/753212
ADDRESS: 143 Emory Lane Tazewell, TN 37879
GENERAL INFO: Built new in 2005 w/ ONE owner; 3 bedroom, 2 full bath ranch-style home; 2 car garage; 1242 square feet; cathedral ceiling in den/kitchen; appliances included; custom Oak cabinets
Hey guy your link doesn't work.
 
We are required to have a medical kit, you can buy it on your own or you can buy a kit they sell on orientation week. The kit includes everything except: pen light, tuning fork, measuring tape, gloves and hammer reflex."

Penlights are cheap, but your otoscope from the kit does have a part that unscrews and stays on the battery handle as a direct light.
 
Top